2019 Dream a big Dream!

By: Marcia King-Gamble

www.lovemarcia.com

It's the beginning of a new year and  a time when hope and  optimism abounds.  Many of us couldn’t wait to put the year behind us, because 2018 was a challenging year and a true test of faith.

Our nation saw a record of unprecedented natural disasters, ranging from the deadliest wildfire in California's history to the worst hurricane hitting the East Coast since 1969. In September, Hurricane Florence flooded the Carolinas and the amount of rain surpassed statewide records.

In October, Hurricane Michael became the strongest storm, (based on pressure,) to hit the U.S. since Hurricane Camille in 1969. It left behind a trail of destruction and brought with it the strongest winds since Hurricane Andrew struck in 1992.

2018 brought with it unexpected deaths of celebrities like designer, Kate Spade and chef Anthony Bourdain. These tragedies shocked the world. In Parkland, a neighborhood, close to me, the Stoneman Douglas tragic shooting of seventeen students, and faculty, turned the world on its ear, making us realize how vulnerable we are.

 Less publicized were the personal struggles many people faced, and the fear that any moment we could be engaged in a nuclear war. But there were feel good moments too. 

The economy did extremely well. Meghan Markle married Prince Harry, gving young girls hope they too could have a Cinderella moment.  More women than ever entered the political arena, and the twelve Thai boys, and their coach, trapped in a cave, all made it to safety. The world let out a collective breath.   

In terms of best 2018 Romance novels (and I am a romance writer,) the usual notables made the list.  Authors like Eloisa James, Brenda Jackson, Amanda Quick a.k.a. Jayne Ann Krentz, Beverly Jenkins, and newcomer, Nalini Singh. Then there was that book that everyone put on their  holiday list - Becoming Michelle Obama; an instant bestseller.

   

On a personal note, I was fortunate to have two releases in December of 2018. Magnolia Moments, the fifth in the Eighty-Eight Mississippi series was released right before Christmas https://amzn.to/2D7y5ci, and Ring in the Holidays, a novella,  followed in time for New Years Eve.  https://amzn.to/2TNKA1Y

Here’s an excerpt from Magnolia Moments:

 “Morgan’s waiting. Won’t want to keep her, now,” Dani said, sniffing.

“She can wait. Let’s get one thing straight. I have absolutely no interest in that woman beyond getting the information I need. Now give me a kiss.”

Dani initially seemed reluctant to even get close. Eventually she relaxed in his arms. And as usual, what was meant to be a meeting of the lips, segued into a heart-shattering kiss of mega proportions. Bryce felt as if he’d been zapped by lightening. He was actually shaking. His inclination was to take Dani to bed right there and then, but the teacher was waiting downstairs, and he would have to put passion on hold. 

"We’re not done,” he said, putting Dani away from him. 

Wiping her smeared lipstick with one hand, she headed downstairs, Bryce on her heels. He followed, admiring her curves in the form-fitting dress that seemed custom-made and hugged all the right places. 

Spotting him, Morgan got to her feet. Her eyes flashed with annoyance when she realized he was not alone. 

“I hope you don’t mind me stopping by,” Morgan said, her voice way too chirpy for his liking. She held out her hand. “I came because it’s such a nice day and I thought we could ride together. And while I l show you the town, I could answer your questions.”

Bryce had no choice but to take the hand Morgan proffered. Her offer was just too good to turn down. “I’d like that.”

“Well, I’ve got to get back to work,” Dani said, giving him the side eye. “You two have fun.” 

Bryce watched her walk away, thinking he would much prefer spending the time with her than Morgan, but he needed vital information. He could finish up what he’d started later.

An excerpt from Ring in the Holidays below:

The sparkle in Stefan’s eyes when he spotted her made her regret not putting up with the cold and wearing that hot, gold dress. Stefan gave her a tight hug, almost lifting her off her feet. He smelled of pine. 

“Just, look at you. Very chic,” Stefan added, tweaking her beret when he set her down. “Shall we?” He offered an arm.

The restaurant, another popular Manhattan eatery, was only blocks away. It was decorated in a blue, silver, gold and white theme. Huge baskets of white poinsettia were strategically placed on gold-plated pedestal tables as they entered. The interior smelled of cinnamon, pine and food. They followed the hostess to the rear. Stefan had to have requested special seating, because a sparkly, white netting was swept aside so they could slide into the private booth.
 
“How did you find this place?” Rianna asked, gazing through the gauze netting at what looked to be several well-heeled clientele. She’d spotted the politically incorrect fur jackets draped over the backs of chairs, and the ladies’ necks draped in expensive pearls and diamonds. 

“A friend recommended it,” Stefan said. “I told him I needed a special place with lots of holiday spirit to take a very special lady.”

Rianna felt her cheeks heat up. She managed a mumbled, “Thank you,” and swept off her tam, shaking out her curls. Stefan swept a wisp of escaping hair out of her eyes.

Things were moving way faster than she was comfortable with. She was just starting to process her feelings for her best friend’s brother and trying to figure out whether the growing attraction could be attributed to a holiday season when no one wanted to be alone. Were these genuine feelings or brought on by nostalgia? For so much of her young life she had resented him. How could she want him so badly now that he’d become an adult?

Wishing you all many adventures in 2019. May you have reading choices that will make your toes curl. Remember you can choose to be happy or unhappy. I choose happiness, and I'm always grateful for what I have.  

 Make it a happy, healthy, and fun New Year.

About Marcia King-Gamble:

Romance writer, Marcia King-Gamble originally hails from a sunny Caribbean island where the sky and ocean are the same mesmerizing shade of blue. This travel industry executive and current world traveler has spent most of life in the United States. A National Bestselling author, Marcia has penned over 34 books and 8 novellas. Her free time is spent at the gym, traveling to exotic locales, and caring for her animal family.